MLB Player News

Diaz didn't allow a baserunner in the ninth inning to record his 40th save of the season Monday against the Astros.

Diaz needed only seven pitches to sit the Astros' down in order. He is the first pitcher to reach 40 saves this season -- Craig Kimbrel is second with 33 -- and has not allowed an earned run since June 23. So long as the Mariners keep winning close games, Diaz is a good bet to remain the top fantasy closer.

Jerez and Ty Buttrey were dealt from Boston to Los Angeles on Monday in exchange for Ian Kinsler and cash considerations, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Jerez has yet to make his big-league debut. He made 33 appearances for Triple-A Pawtucket in 2018, posting a 3.68 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with 67 strikeouts over 51 innings of work, so he certainly holds some value as a future reliever. Jerez will likely report to the Angels' minor-league system following the trade.

Giles was traded to the Blue Jays along with Hector Perez and David Paulino in exchange for Roberto Osuna (suspension) on Monday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Giles will get a change of scenery after being demoted to the minor leagues earlier this month following a rough first half of the season. Across 34 games with Houston, he logged a 4.99 ERA and 1.27 WHIP and had a couple unflattering incidents, including hitting himself in the face after blowing a save versus the Yankees in May. Expect him to receive a promotion to the majors in the near future, where he should get a chance to work in high-leverage spots.

Saupold cleared waivers Monday and was outrighted to Triple-A Toledo.

The righty was designated for assignment Saturday. His 4.46 ERA through 34.1 major-league innings this season is not terrible but was evidently not enough for another team to claim him off waivers. His underlying numbers suggest he was lucky to even record that mediocre number, as he struck out just 10.1 percent of batters.

De Leon (elbow) resumed throwing Monday.

De Leon underwent Tommy John surgery in March. He appears to be making progress in his recovery and should be back early next season, barring setbacks.

Stanek will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher in Tuesday's game against the Angels.

Stanek is expected to work no more than two innings before giving way to the bullpen. Among the Rays' long-relief options, Ryan Yarbrough and Austin Pruitt represent the freshest arms in the bullpen, having not worked since Thursday and Friday, respectively. Stanek had allowed runs in only three of his prior 23 appearances before struggling in his last outing Saturday against the Orioles. He covered two frames and gave up three runs on two hits -- both home runs -- and a pair of walks while striking out one.

Leclerc got out the side in order and picked up his 14th hold of the season in Sunday's 4-3 win over Houston.

Leclerc has performed well in the bullpen, posting a 2.33 ERA over 38.2 innings (40 appearances) in mostly seventh- and eighth-inning work. As rumors circulate about Texas trading closer Keone Kela, the Rangers may look to Leclerc for closing opportunities.

Diaz registered the save against the Angels on Sunday, striking out two and walking one while allowing no hits over a scoreless ninth inning to preserve Seattle's 8-5 victory.

The right-hander continues to dominate for the Mariners, as this successful effort against the Angels gives him a league-leading 39 saves in 42 chances. He has a solid argument as the best closer in baseball at the moment, and he figures to remain as such through the rest of the season on a Seattle team that keeps affording him plenty of opportunities.

Kimbrel tossed a scoreless ninth inning and struck out one as he picked up the save Sunday against the Twins.

Kimbrel drilled the second batter of the inning, but he managed to escape without surrendering a run after inducing a groundball for a double play. The 30-year-old bounced back following a blown save Friday by nailing down his 33rd save of the season.

Borucki allowed two runs in six innings Sunday, giving up six hits and a walk while striking out five and taking the no-decision in the 7-4 win over the White Sox.

The 6-foot-4 rookie now owns a terrific 2.83 ERA in 35 innings this season with a disheartening 0-2 record to show for it. Borucki held Chicago scoreless for four innings before allowing a run in both the fifth and sixth frames. He'll carry a 28:11 K:BB into Friday's outing in Seattle.